UN body assures to develop Lanka's fishing sector

A United Nations (UN) body assured that Sri Lanka will continously be facilitated in the endeavor of enhancing fisheries sector with modern technologies.

The assurance was given whe the country representative for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Ms. Nina Brandstrup met Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and a group of officials representing the on Wednesday. Discussions were made with regard to the enhancement of Sri Lankan fisheries and she mentioned that FAO will continue facilitating and extending their support in the development of the fisheries sector.

Mrs. Mangalika Adikari, the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development made a request seeking support in introducing the modern technology of fisheries and modern fishing methods to Sri Lankan fishers in the process of developing Sri Lankan fisheries industry.

Minister Amaraweera mentioned that fish products have become a popular solution adopted by most of the countries encountering the issue of nutritional deficiencies.

He also said that public awareness has to be increased about the importance of fish consumption since it realizes the highest percentage of the total protein necessity of humans. Therefore, Sri Lankan fisheries need to be promoted focusing the development of marine biotechnology and tissue culture technology, said the Minister. The country representative of FAO promised to extend their support continuously in the endeavor of developing Sri Lankan fisheries.

Mrs. Mangalika Adikari, the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development and Mr. Christy Lal Perera, the Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources were also participated to the event.